Smith (6-5) earned the win Wednesday after delivering a flawless 10th inning, striking out one and needing just seven pitches (six strikes) to retire Tampa Bay’s lineup. He left phantom runner Jake Mangum at third to set the stage for Kyle Manzardo, who delivered a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the 10th for a 4-3 victory.
The right-hander had allowed runs in three straight appearances last week, but has bounced back against the Rays, collecting a win and a save in back-to-back scoreless outings. Through 13.1 August innings, Smith carries a 2.70 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and a 14:2 K:BB.
Additional context and value:
– Smith’s ability to execute a clean, low-efficiency 10th inning underscores improved command and bullpen reliability as the team heads into the late stretch of the season.
– Manzardo’s walk-off hit adds to his clutch performance profile, suggesting he remains a key contributor in late-game situations.
– August metrics show Smith trimming walks and maintaining strike-zone efficiency, trends that could bode well for upcoming opponents and bullpen usage.
Summary note:
– The game showcased a strong late-inning sequence: a spotless 10th from Smith followed by Manzardo’s dramatic bottom-10th RBI single to seal the win. Smith’s continued effectiveness out of the bullpen and Manzardo’s late-inning production provide a hopeful sign for the team’s momentum.
If you’d like, I can tailor this into a short WP-ready post with a concise lede and a few pull quotes from game notes.